For many creatives, procrastination can be a major obstacle to their success. While it may seem like an easy way to avoid stress and anxiety, it can ultimately lead to missed opportunities and a lack of productivity. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the reasons why creatives procrastinate and provide some actionable steps to overcome them.
- Fear of Failure: One of the most common reasons creatives procrastinate is due to the fear of failure. When you put your creative work out there, you expose a vulnerable part of yourself to criticism and rejection. This fear can be paralyzing and lead to procrastination. To overcome this, try to reframe failure as a learning experience rather than a reflection of your worth. Understand that failure is a natural part of the creative process, and it’s through failures that we learn and grow.
- Perfectionism: Another common reason creatives procrastinate is due to perfectionism. They want their work to be flawless, so they spend too much time trying to perfect it rather than completing it. To overcome this, set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself. Recognise that perfectionism can actually hinder your creativity and productivity.
- Lack of Motivation: Sometimes, creatives simply lack the motivation to start or continue a project. This can be due to a lack of inspiration or a feeling of being overwhelmed. To overcome this, try to find inspiration from other sources, such as art, music, or nature. Break your project down into smaller, manageable tasks, and focus on completing one task at a time.
- Distractions: In today’s world, distractions are everywhere. Social media, email, and other notifications can easily divert our attention from our creative work. A helpful remedy is to create a distraction-free environment for yourself. Turn off your phone, close your email, and find a quiet space where you can focus on your work without interruptions.
- Lack of Structure: Finally, creatives may procrastinate due to a lack of structure in their work. They may not have a clear plan or process in place, which can lead to confusion and indecision. It’s helpful to create a structure for your work. Set specific goals and deadlines, and break your project down into smaller, actionable steps. This will help you stay focused and on track.
- Knowledge/Support Gap: Working with an experienced coach who understands the Creative Soul can also be a powerful tool in overcoming procrastination and unlocking your full creative potential. A coach can provide you with the guidance, accountability, and support you need to overcome the obstacles that may be holding you back.
In conclusion, procrastination can be a major obstacle for creatives, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the reasons behind our procrastination and taking actionable steps to overcome it, we can unleash our full creative potential and achieve our goals. Remember, creativity is a process, and it’s through our failures and imperfections that we learn and grow. So, embrace the journey and take action today.
Monica O’Brien is a professionally trained and accredited Coach and founder of Creative Edge Coaching www.creativeedgecoaching.com.au. She blogs on issues about creativity and small business development for conscious artists and business entrepreneurs.
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